Bad luck Quote by Cassandra Clare
““Before Tessa could answer, there was a knock at the door, and a familiar voice. "It's Jem. Tessa, are you there?" Charlotte sat bolt upright. "Oh! He mustn't see you in your dress!" Tessa stood dumbfounded. "Whyever not?" "It's a Shadowhunter custom—bad luck!" Charlotte rose to her feet. "Quickly! Hide behind the wardrobe!" "The wardrobe? But—" Tessa broke off with a yelp as Charlotte seized her about the waist and frog-marched her behind the wardrobe like a policeman with a particularly resistant criminal. Released, Tessa dusted off her dress and made a face at Charlotte, and they both peeked around the side of the furniture as the seamstress, after a bewildered look, opened the door. Jem's silvery head appeared in the gap. He looked a bit disheveled, his jacket askew. He glanced around in puzzlement before his gaze lighted on Charlotte and Tessa, half-concealed behind the wardrobe.””
About This Quote
A tense, comedic moment where a hidden character is forced to conceal themselves due to a superstitious rule, highlighting the clash between personal desire and cultural taboo.
In simple terms: Humorous tension from secret hiding.
Key Takeaway
Superstition can dictate absurd actions.
Themes
Superstition
Humor
Friendship
Secrecy
Cultural norms
Mood
Playful
Anxious
Amused
Type
Narrative
Dialogue
When to use this quote
- A surprise visitor arrives unexpectedly
- A character is caught in a compromising outfit
- A group must hide to avoid bad luck
Key Concepts
Shadowhunter lore
Social pressure
Protective instincts
Practical Applications
- Creating comedic suspense in fantasy writing
- Illustrating world-building through quirky customs
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this scene reveal about the characters' values?
- How does the superstition affect their behavior?
